Inverdale did the common jackasses one better, though. His didn't just poke fun at — nicely!— a woman's appearance before a world audience. He also pinned this hypothetical motivator on her father.

The BBC apologized for the comments, but it felt pretty weak. From the Telegraph:

(Inverdale) later tried to make amends by saying: “We poked fun, in a nice way, about how she looks ... but Marion Bartoli is an incredible role model.”

After being asked about Inverdale’s comments a BBC spokesman said last night: “We accept that this remark was insensitive and for that we apologise.”

Bartoli handled the flap with nothing but class. After her match, she told Le Parisien: “I invite this journalist to come and see me in a ball gown and heels, and, in my opinion, I think he may change his mind.”